Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker announced this week that the State of Connecticut has awarded $5.3 million in new funding to expand high-quality after-school programs serving students across 30 municipalities. Among the 41 grants awarded statewide, Carver stands out as one of only a handful of organizations—and the only Norwalk-based nonprofit—to receive two separate grants through the Connecticut State Department of Education’s competitive After-School Grant Program.
Carver’s two new grants will support after-school programming at Nathan Hale and West Rocks Middle Schools as well as Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy and Roton Middle School, strengthening Carver’s long-standing partnership with Norwalk Public Schools. Each grant totals $153,880, representing a combined state investment of more than $300,000 in Carver’s middle school after-school programs.
These grants were awarded through a highly competitive process evaluating local need, program design, academic enrichment, student wellness, and family engagement. The recognition reflects the state’s confidence in Carver’s evidence-based approach to youth development and its record of producing measurable academic gains and social-emotional growth for Norwalk students.
“High-quality after-school programs create opportunities for students to receive the additional academic and social supports they need to thrive,” Governor Lamont said in announcing the awards.
Carver’s programs provide daily academic support, literacy and STEAM enrichment, mentoring, wellness activities, and family engagement opportunities. Each site operates four days per week throughout the school year, offering safe, structured environments that extend learning beyond the classroom while supporting working families.
Carver is proud to represent Norwalk in this new round of state investment—and to be recognized twice among only 41 funded proposals statewide. The dual awards underscore Carver’s position as a statewide leader in out-of-school time programming and its ongoing commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed in school, career, and life.